O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens, listen: God sends out a mighty voice.

Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel,

and whose power is in the skies.

Awesome is God! Awesome is God in the sanctuary!

Awesome is the God of Israel! God gives power and strength to the people.

Blessed be God!

*Hymn of Praise #50 Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

Morning Prayer

Allowing God to Shape Us

Prayer of Confession (Unison)

God of great love, we clearly remember the times when we have thought you to be less than loving. We recall with pain the dark times in our lives when we could not see your light; nor did we seek it. We remember with remorse the occasions when we did not recognize your gift of our abundant life. We confess that we have been quick to criticize and hasty to condemn. Forgive us for all that has come before and grant us grace to go forward in your forgiving love.

Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)

My friends, listen to this good news: Our God is a God of love and mercy, who allows us always to begin again. By God's grace, we are forgiven to walk in newness of life.

Thanks be to God Amen.

Coming before God’s Open Word

Children’s Blessing (Unison)

All-powerful and merciful God, preserve these children from sin and its destructive evils. Empower us, through your Holy Spirit, to raise them up to lead holy and virtuous lives of faithful, loving, and humble service to you and to others. Amen.

Prayer of Blessing

ScriptureLuke 17:5-10 (p. 741)

Message “In Relationship to God, We Are Always Servants.”

Prayer of Thanks

Celebrating God

Sacrament of Communion

THE MEANING OF THE SACRAMENT

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we come to the table of our Lord in Remembrance, Communion, and Hope.

We come to Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ was sent into the world so we might be saved through him.

We come to be in Communion with this same Christ who has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world.

We come in Hope, believing that this bread and cup are a pledge and foretaste of the feast of love in the kingdom to come.

Since by his death, resurrection, and ascension Christ has obtained for us the life-giving Spirit who unites us all in one body,

so we receive this Supper in true love, mindful of the communion of saints.

THE INVITATION

This is the feast of the Lord’s Table, in which all who profess the Lordship of Christ in their lives are invited to share. Come, for all things are now ready.

COMMUNION HYMN #768 (Verses 1, 2, 3) I Come with Joy

THE COMMUNION PRAYER

Let us lift up our hearts and give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is holy and right to lift up our hearts and give God thanks and praise.

It is with joy that we give thanks to you in all times and places, Almighty and Everlasting God. You have shown the fullness of your love by sending to us Jesus Christ our Lord, made flesh for us, for our salvation, and for reconciliation with you. For this precious gift of your Son, we worship and sing praise to you, O God:

Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of the whole world. In the joy of his resurrection and expectation of his coming again, send your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices, and proclaim this mystery of the faith:

Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!

As this grain and these grapes are gathered from many fields and hills into one loaf and one cup, to be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ, grant also that your whole Church may be joined together in him, attain unity in the faith, and soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! And now, as Christ taught us, we pray together:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.

THE COMMUNION

The Lord Jesus, the same night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me."

(Distribution of the bread)

The bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ.

After the same manner also, he took the cup when they had supped, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

(Distribution of the cup)

The cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ.

PRAISE and THANKSGIVING after COMMUNION (Unison)

It is proper and right that we should exalt you, bless you, praise you, give thanks to you, and adore you in all places of your dominion; for you are God, incomprehensible, from everlasting, and changeless – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You called us into being from nothingness, and when we had fallen away from you, you raised us up again, brought us back, and endowed us with your kingdom which is to come. For these things we offer to you a ministry of thanks, praise, and service, which you are pleased to accept even though myriads of angels and archangels wait before you, calling aloud, singing the triumphant song, “Holy Lord, Hosanna in the highest! Heaven and earth are full of your glory!” Amen and amen.

Gracious God and Master, with this offering we worship you and give our whole selves in service to you. Grant us your wisdom to use it effectively for your kingdom and your glory. Multiply its reach and influence, and may it bring great blessing to many.Amen.

Pastoral Prayer

*Hymn of Devotion #710 We Are Called to Be God’s People

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace

My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.

My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen. (2x)

Postlude Partita IX on “O God, Thou faithful God,” BWV 767 J.S. Bach

Today is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund. Please support this important ministry which provides assistanceto needy church family and community members.

INVITATION FROM SCHODACK LANDING REFORMED CHURCH

Please join us for a Sing-A-Long & Sundaes this afternoon from 2 - 4 p.m.

Schodack Landing Reformed Church

624 River Road, Route 9J, Schodack Landing.

Praises and thanks to our Lord that the recent BROOKS BAR-B-CUE/dessert sale/community outreach, sponsored by Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery, more than met expectations. $3561 was raised, all of which will go toward operation and maintenance of the cemetery grounds, an increasingly costly ministry to our community. The Cemetery Committee wishes to thank all those who helped in making this important event a great success again this year.

"COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS –

SHINING A LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE"

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, AT KRC

THIS COMING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, at 6:30 pm, Kinderhook Reformed Church is hosting a FREE educational, solution-focused, 1-hour panel discussion highlighting the many agencies, services, self-help, and advocacy groups available in Columbia County addressing substance use issues and mental health. Panelists include representatives from Twin County Recovery Services, Inc, Columbia County Mental Health Center, Nar-Anon, Young People in Recovery, the Chatham Police Cares 4 U program, and Ichabod Crane School District. Attendees will learn how to recognize symptoms, where to get help, and how to get involved in fighting substance use and the opiate epidemic in particular. There will be an opportunity for questions, answers, and comments.

~PLANT AND BAKE SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 8 AM – NOON~

KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH will hold a plant and bake sale from 8 a.m. to noon THIS COMING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8. All proceeds from the plant sale will go to benefit the KRC Youth Group's 2017 REACH mission trip. All proceeds from the bake sale will go to benefit the October 15 Stop Hunger Now meal-packing event.

YOUR SUPPORT OF THESE FUNDRAISERS, AND THE OUTREACH PROGRAMS THEY WILL ASSIST, IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

~STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15~

Stop Hunger Now packages and ships food and life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people, and works to end global hunger in our lifetime. Established in 1998, over 500,000 volunteers have been engaged to package meals, and over 225 million meals have been provided in 74 countries. This year, 45 million meals will be packaged, and over $9 million in donated health supplies will be shipped. A STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT IS AN IMMENSELY REWARDING EXPERIENCE OF EASY, HANDS-ON WORK, FUN, AND FELLOWSHIP THAT YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS! A group of 40 to 50 volunteers (any age) can package over 10,000 meals in just two hours. Our local packaging event will take place beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 15, at the Kinderhook Town Hall (formerly Martin H. Glynn school) on Church Street in Valatie, during which we hope to pack 20 – 30 thousand meals. Plan to lend a helping hand to this extraordinary ministry. Volunteer unloaders are needed at noon, and volunteer packers are needed from 1 – 3 pm. A signup sheet is available on the back table to give us a general idea of the number participating from KRC. Official registration can be done online, and a link to Stop Hunger Now for doing this can be found on our website, kinderhookreformedchurch.net. Official registration can also be done at the Town Hall the day of the event. Donations may be made online as well using the KRC website link, or directly through the church by check with “Stop Hunger” in the memo line. A donation of 29¢ buys one meal, $29 one hundred meals, $290 one thousand meals. Your co-workers might be willing to offer $29, or a business might be interested in making a $290 donation.

X X~NOTE OF THANKS AND WELCOME FROM CONSISTORY~

Consistory and the KRC Family would like to praise God and thank Liz Carroll for her much-appreciated services as KRC Office Assistant over the past several years. We offer our prayer support to Liz, and wish her the very best as she continues in her new position with Kinderhook Bank. In addition, we are very pleased to welcome Courtney Wood, who has been appointed as Liz’s replacement and is off to an excellent start in her new position. We are also happy to announce that Greg Clause Jr. has been appointed as KRC Sexton, and is likewise doing a fine job with his new duties. Please keep all of the KRC staff members in your prayers as they carry out to their various ministries.

KRC has traditionally been well-represented at this inspiring event, where you will hear how your volunteer efforts, prayers, and generous support make a difference in the lives of people who are hungry, street-weary, and hopeless.

CCRM Banquet tickets may be purchased through the church. Choose the evening you would like to attend, and see or call Paul Clause, 859-4158. Your reservation and ticket payment will be made for you, and you can reimburse KRC $25 per ticket reserved by dropping your designated check made out to KRC into the offering plate at any time. RESERVATIONS SHOULD BE MADE NO LATER THAN NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, and TICKETS WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOU BY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16. CCRM banquet organizers will arrange for those attending from KRC to be seated together at 1 or 2 tables, depending on the number of reservations we make. Reservations may also be made by calling Susan Jones, 462-0421. Let Sue know if you wish to sit with the KRC group.

PULPIT FLOWERS

Many KRC family and friends have, in the past, provided cut flowers for the pulpit in celebration of an anniversary or birthday, in honor of a special day or event, and in loving memory of family and friends who have passed away. During the summer months, those of you who are gardeners are invited to arrange and display your own garden flowers on a Sunday of your choice. If you are interested in providing flowers for a particular Sunday, contact Dawn, 758-7564.

REFORMED CHURCH OF SCHODACK TO HOLD ANNUAL TURKEY DINNER

The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its annual turkey dinner Saturday, October 22. The church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road & Muitzeskill Road in Schodack Landing. The dinner is served family style, and the menu will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, squash, cranberry sauce, rolls, and a variety of pies for dessert. Sittings are at 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 pm. Take-out is also available at 4 pm & 5 pm (no early arrivals, please). Adults: $12.00, children 6 - 12: $6.00, under 6: free. For reservations (required) call 732-7345. If no answer, leave a message with your name and phone number, and say you are calling regarding the church dinner. Your call will be returned the same day to confirm your reservation. If your call is not returned, please call again.

INCLUSION BIBLE STUDY CONVERSATION

All are welcome to attend a Bible study concerning four passages of scripture that may be applied to the inclusion of LGBT people in our church communities. The Bible study will take place on four Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 in the library of the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack. It will be led by Dr. Nancy Hoag, psychologist, and Rev. Linda Miles, pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack. Listed below are the dates and the passages we will be discussing:

October 25 - John 9 The Man Born Blind

November 1- Matthew 19:1-12 Divorce, Unchastity, Eunuchs

November 22 - 1 Corinthians 6 The Body as a Temple

December 6 - Romans 14:1-15:7 Prohibition on Judging

We look forward to your presence as we study the Word of God together. For more information, please contact the church office at 518-851-3811 or Pastor Linda at 845-430-3348.

Blessings,

Gary L. De Witt, Stated Clerk

Classis of Columbia-Greene

X~STEWARDSHIP REPORT~

Praise the Lord! Our weekly offering this past Sunday was $2,642 – short of our weekly need of $3,000. Many thanks to those who have recently made substantial gifts toward bringing our income more closely into line with expenses, and to our regular contributors who “doubled up” on their giving to cover the Sundays they missed. Stewardship Ministry continues to urge everyone to give prayerful consideration to how they might adjust their giving to help keep income at a level that will meet daily operating expenses.

Inspired by the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,

let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need

to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.

January 22, 1945 – April 17, 2016

“Well gone, good and faithful servant! . . .”

Matthew 25:15

The Angel Tree Program, founded by ex-convict, Mary Kay Beard, has been part of Prison Fellowship's work for 35 years. This ministry has delivered over 10 million gifts to children of imprisoned parents, and brought the Gospel and love of Christ, as well as reconciliation, to countless homes during the Christmas season.

Mary Kay was a safe-cracker, a bank robber, and one of America’s Most Wanted. Arrested in June, 1972, she quickly collected 11 federal indictments and 35 charges against her. But her 180-year sentence turned into a six-year sentence, during which time she asked God to change her hardened heart. And that's exactly what happened. Through her experience in prison, Mary Kay gained a deep appreciation for the estrangement and brokenness prisoners suffer from being separated from their families. When a parent is sentenced to prison, he or she is not the only one being

punished. The children suffer too, and it

is especially tough for them at Christmas time. Mary Kay also saw how a simple act of giving and receiving a gift can renew hope and bring change to the lives of those on both sides of the bars. That's why she founded Angel Tree, and why she considered it perhaps the greatest way God used her after he first changed her heart in prison. Mary once said, "I am both awed and humbled to have been a part of something so enormously effective. Being there at the beginning, I consider it one of the highest privileges of my life." For Mary, Angel Tree was an awe-inspiring testimony to prisoners and their families of the Gospel: "The very first Christmas gift," she reminds us, "was a child.”

Although Mary Kay is now in the presence of her Savior, we continue her legacy of loving prisoners’ children and bringing a little Christmas joy into their lives. For those desperate for forgiveness and those desperate for a parent's love, the simple opportunity to give or receive a gift at Christmas not only breaks down the barriers which isolate family members in prison from those outside, but makes the story of a God, who loves us no matter what, come powerfully to life.

Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners will be displayed on angel cut-outs on a Christmas tree in KRC’s main entrance in November. Each angel will contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please consider taking an angel when the tree goes up.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith journey. Pray also that God will provide opportunities for us to witness for Jesus, and give us the courage and winsome words needed to make the most of these opportunities.

Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s associate pastor, as she fulfills her ministerial duties as full-time pastor to the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches.

our state, national, and world leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely. Pray especially that God’s hand will direct our nation’s upcoming Presidential and other government elections.

our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.

those grieving the death of loved ones, especially Jayne Ferguson, her mom, her siblings, and other family members and friends grieving the sudden loss this past Wednesday morning of Jayne’s father, Dave Peterson.

those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.

all who have suffered and struggled with significant recent loss of any kind.

reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.

those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Nancy Stewart.

Chrissy Blackwood, niece of Nancy Baker, who suffered a grand mal seizure recently and is severely anemic. Chrissy will be able to resume work, but will be unable drive the 45-minute commute to her nursing job for 6 months. Please pray for a good response to treatment for Chrissy, and for God's peace, reassurance, and provision regarding her work situation.

those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Cydney Rippel, Carly Rippel, Greg Clause Jr., and others as they face the challenges of a higher level of education or seek a career; the Lamont Family; Vince Beaudoin; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts.

Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-centered messages God gives to Pastor each and every Sunday for the spiritual nourishment and growth of our church family.

the inspirational ministries of our guest preachers, Perry Jones, Tom McCrossan, John Bowen, and others who lead worship at KRC from time to time.

those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

for the good report that Diane, friend of Cricket Warren, has been in remission for three years from her multiple myeloma cancer, and has found employment. Please continue to pray for Diane, that she may remain in good health and that she may come to know the Lord as her savior.

the good news that Patti Varga’s sister-in-law, Emese, has been released from the hospital. Her MRSA infection is gone, and she continues to heal at home. Please continue your prayers, which are much appreciated.

Dave Ennis’s presence in worship with us again.

this encouraging news from Glenn and Cricket Warren: “We would like to thank you for your prayers for Glenn's friend's six month old grandson. He is still in the hospital but doing much better.”

the good report that Virginia Rothermel is doing well. Ginny thanks the congregation for the cards and messages of encouragement she received, and she hopes to be back in church soon!

His provision for all of our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize special events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who always offer whatever support they can to those in need.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES

Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;

Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson

Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany

Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Children:

Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya

Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio

Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission

Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary

Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators

Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas

Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission

Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. Please forward this information, as well as new requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.